Participants in the Light the Way 5K Walk/Run will see Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas festival in a new light - actually four million lights - as the theme park hosts this special event for a fifth year on Friday, Nov. 11 beginning at 11 p.m.
Light the Way 5K participants are treated to a unique course decorated by the park’s four million Christmas lights, beginning their journey at Dollywood’s groups’ entrance, traversing through the parking lot and then winding through the theme park. David Owenby, Director of the Share It Forward program said,
"The beauty of Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas festival combined with the challenge of a course that only a theme park can provide makes this Light the Way 5K a one-of-a-kind event for runners and walkers."
Lisa Bryant, Executive Director of Keep Sevier Beautiful added,
"But most importantly, this event helps provide our non-profit organizations with financial assistance just before the holidays."
The race will be chip timed and managed by Scenic City Multi-Sports, which also will be offering free photos to all participants to download, tweet and share on Facebook. Awards will be presented to the top three overall for male and female participants. The top three finalists in each age division receive hand-blown glass Christmas ornaments custom-made for the event by Dollywood’s master glassblower.
Pre-registration is encouraged for the Light the Way 5K as the race is limited to 2,500 participants. Early registration between Sept. 2 - Oct. 15 is $32; regular registration and race day fee is $35. Race day registration takes place from 11 a.m. - 9 p.m. at Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort.
Light the Way 5K Online Registration
Proceeds from the event benefit Keep Sevier Beautiful (KSB) and the Share It Forward (SIF) program at Dollywood. KSB, an affiliate of Keep America Beautiful, is a volunteer-based organization, which focuses on waste reduction/recycling, litter prevention and beautifying public spaces through education and community-based programs. KSB’s goal is to protect the natural beauty of the area that millions of visitors come to see each year. SIF is a non-profit charity established for the purpose of raising and using funds to assist The Dollywood Company employees and their families in times of need. The program is funded through employee donations, which are matched dollar for dollar by The Dollywood Company and, up to specified limits, by the shareholders of Herschend Family Entertainment, the park’s operating partner.
For more information visit Light the Way 5K or call (865) 428-9860.
As the leaves change in the Great Smoky Mountains, one of the area’s most beautiful places to be is Dollywood’s National Southern Gospel & Harvest Celebration presented by Humana, Sept. 30- Oct. 29.
Dollywood proudly hosts the best in Southern gospel music with an impressive lineup of talent sure to inspire park guests. The soul-stirring sounds of beautiful harmonies ring through the crisp autumn air with free daily concerts on the park’s various stages. Dolly Parton said,
“It’s no secret I love singing about the beauty of God’s coloring book and viewing the bright fall colors of the Great Smoky Mountains on His pages is so very inspiring. When you mix in all of that great Southern gospel talent, including Sandi Patty, this truly is a great time of year to visit my Dollywood.”
Five-time Grammy Award winner Sandi Patty, who is in her final year of touring, headlines this year’s festival with concerts Sept. 30-Oct. 1. Guests can see a number of returning Dollywood favorites including Guy Penrod (Oct. 14-15), The McKameys (Oct.7-8), Karen Peck & New River (Oct.19-20), The Isaacs (Oct. 5-6), Ernie Haase & Signature Sound (Oct. 16-17) and Gold City (Oct. 21-22). Sandi Patty said,
“It is such an honor for me to be performing at Dollywood for this year’s National Southern Gospel & Harvest Celebration. The vision that the legendary Dolly Parton has created in her theme park and Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort is evident in the meaningful entertainment that is constantly offered."
Sandi went on to say,
"It is such a special opportunity to spend a few days at Dollywood during my Farewell Tour. I look forward to sharing some of the most well-known songs that I’ve had the privilege of singing in my career. We’re going to have a great time together in worship.”
Guy Penrod, a guest-favorite for a number of years, greatly anticipates his annual visit to the park each fall. Guy exclaimed,
“I love Dollywood. It’s probably the most beautiful setting for a theme park that you can imagine. I admire their love for gospel music and am thankful for the freedom to perform there.”
Many other artists take to the stage throughout the festival including special concerts on the Praise 96.3 FM and Singing News stages. Dollywood’s own Kingdom Heirs also play prominently throughout the festival. Incredibly, guests can experience more than 350 concerts, all free with park admission, during the festival.
View the complete Southern gospel concert schedule
Additionally, Dollywood’s own master craftsmen are joined by more than 40 visiting artisans from around the country. Daily craft demonstrations illustrate how many of America’s vital products were made for centuries.
Dollywood’s master craftsmen make a multitude of beautiful handmade products from glass ornaments and glazed pottery to decorative candles and rustic knives. Among the visiting crafters, Dollywood guests can observe during the National Southern Gospel and Harvest Celebration are banjo and fiddle making, loom weaving, rug hooking, basket weaving, paper marbling, felt hat making and much more. Products for purchase also include dulcimers, various forms of jewelry, chainsaw carving, bentwood boxes, stained glass artwork and more.
Finally, Dollywood perfectly captures the essence of fall with perfectly-themed menus which take advantage of the crops from a bountiful autumn harvest. Special food locations feature various recipes including fresh apples, fried green tomatoes and much more. New this year is a special harvest treat cooked on Dollywood’s famous Big Skillets. The harvest version features smoked sausage, potatoes, sweet potatoes, green and red peppers, and onions.
Guests also can attend worship services each Sunday during the festival at Dollywood’s Robert F. Thomas Chapel. Named in honor of the doctor who delivered little Dolly Rebecca Parton, the one-room country church reminds guests of a simpler time. Park visitors also can attend chapel services, which take place throughout the regular operating season at 11:30 a.m. every Sunday.
Each day is a picture-perfect opportunity to enjoy the traditional experiences of a Smoky Mountain harvest!
Learn more about Dollywood’s National Southern Gospel & Harvest Celebration
Dollywood again earned several of Amusement Today’s Golden Ticket Awards, this year picking up four “best of” awards and placing in the top-five in five additional categories during the magazine’s 2016 awards ceremony on Saturday, Sept. 10 at Cedar Point in Sandusky, OH. Dolly Parton said,
“I’m so very proud of the experience families have when they come visit my Dollywood. While they’re here having fun with us, I want them to create those special heartfelt moments they’ll always treasure. I know it’s our people who work here who help make those memories happen for them. Some people call it friendliness, but I just call it what it is—caring for others."
Dolly went on to say,
“Our folks show their love for families through the care they put in to everything they do—from our beautiful landscaping and that delicious food to makin’ sure each guest leaves with a smile on their face. I’m very proud of the way Dollywood has grown, but I’m most proud of my Dollywood team who goes above and beyond to give families memories they’ll share forever.”
Dollywood’s four Golden Ticket Awards include:
Dollywood also ranked in six additional categories:
Tim Baldwin, Golden Ticket Awards Communications Coordinator for Amusement Today noted,
“Dollywood is a finalist in more categories than any other park—ten to be exact. The destination claims four Golden Ticket wins this year! These accomplishments should command the attention of anyone in the industry looking for a model of how to do things right. It’s no wonder Dollywood charms more and more visitors each year. The place is sheer joy.”
Calculated from an international poll conducted by Amusement Today, the industry’s leading trade publication, the Golden Ticket Awards are the results of a detailed survey sent to a database of experienced and well-traveled amusement park fans around the world in balanced geographical regions. Voters are asked to rate the “best” in 23 categories such as best parks, roller coasters, water rides, shows, kids’ area, landscaping and Christmas events.
The Golden Ticket Awards are the most sought-after awards in the business of amusements and attractions. The awards have become the subject of much discussion by park aficionados the world over and garnered mentions in such notable media outlets as USA TODAY and the Chicago Tribune, and by the late radio newsman Paul Harvey. The awards also were the topic of a one-hour Travel Channel documentary.
Dollywood was recognized in 2010 at the International Association of Amusement Parks & Attractions with the Applause Award in recognition of a park whose management, operations and creative accomplishments have inspired the industry with its foresight, originality and sound business development.
Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas presented by Humana has long been known as one of the world’s best holiday theme park events. Dolly Parton unveiled plans for an awe-inspiring new parade—dreamed up as only she can—which will add even more excitement to this family-favorite festival.
Like her new NBC holiday movie, "Christmas of Many Colors: Circle of Love," Dolly’s new parade celebrates the fun, faith, family and harmony of the holidays. Vibrant floats, interactive characters and a few other surprises help spread cheer throughout Dollywood this holiday season. Smiling, Dolly said,
“The joy I feel during the Christmas season makes my heart sing because of the love and sweet Christmas memories I have of family and friends from when I was a child.”
She continued by saying,
“Christmas is the time of year when traditions, faith and family come together to create experiences we all remember forever. That is why my new movie and this parade are so important for me. I truly believe The Parade of Many Colors will inspire some of those same lifelong memories for the families who see it.”
The Parade of Many Colors represents another significant investment made by The Dollywood Company as part of the $300 million investment strategy announced in 2013. The company also recently announced the addition of TailSpin Racer to Dollywood’s Splash Country for 2017.
Dollywood has added two days to its calendar, December 6 and 13, to provide guests more time to experience the eight-time winner for Best Christmas Event. One of Dollywood’s greatest entertainment offerings is remastered in 2016, as "Christmas in the Smokies," returns to its traditional home at D.P.’s Celebrity Theater. Guests can celebrate the joy of the season while a cast of singers and dancers performs hometown holiday favorites while accompanied by a band of live musicians!
Dollywood’s entertainment team brings a Christmas classic to life with the debut of "It’s a Wonderful Life." Based on the timeless holiday story of love and generosity, small town businessman George Bailey discovers the true value of life, family and friends with a little help from his guardian angel, Clarence.
Dollywood's Smoky Mountain Christmas begins November 5, 2016.
Preview image courtesy of Curtis Hilbun.
Dollywood once again brings exceptional music and great fun to East Tennessee with Rock the Smokies—a Christian rock music festival returning to the theme park on Labor Day weekend.
The music festival rocks the Smokies at Dollywood’s Celebrity Theater with three shows set for Saturday, Sept. 3 at 1, 4 and 7 p.m. The event features a number of top Christian artists including GRAMMY-nominated, Platinum-selling Newsboys and GRAMMY Award winner, For King & Country.
Newsboys’ Dollywood performance comes right before they hit the road for their “Love Riot” Tour featuring their chart-topping album of the same name. At Rock the Smokies, guests also can hear music from For King & Country’s 2015 GRAMMY Award Winning album "Run Wild. Live Free. Love Strong."
Festival-goers can also enjoy music from 2015 Dove Award-nominated New Artist of the Year, I Am They. With hit singles and chart-topping music from We Are Messengers, 7eventh Time Down and Stars Go Dim, the performance lineup does not disappoint.
This incredible event allows guests the opportunity to see amazing performances and delight in the food, rides and atmosphere of Dollywood. Rock the Smokies is a refreshing way for families, student ministries and music enthusiasts to end the summer.
By combining all the adventure of a day at the theme park with great music, Dollywood has crafted a unique event packed with fun for all ages. A ticket purchase includes admission to Dollywood. Discounts are available for groups, season passholders and guests who order tickets early. By ordering in advance, guests can save up to $11. Early bird pricing runs through August 5. VIP packages are available and include assorted merchandise, early ride time on one of Dollywood’s award-winning roller coasters, pictures with the artists and much more!
For more information, visit RockTheSmokies.com or call 1-855-484-1991.
